Rabies is one of the worst viral diseases that can affect a dog, and one of the most contagious both among members of its species and from dog to human. It is therefore very important to know what are your symptoms to be vigilant.
Therefore, we explain how to know if my dog has rabies.
What is rabies?
Rage is a disease caused by a virus of the family Rhabdoviridae. Dogs are the main transmitters worldwide, but any mammal can contract it. It is enough for a sick animal to bite another or for its saliva to come into contact with a wound or cut for it to become infected. So that, it is very important to take preventive measures to avoid problems.
Symptom
Symptoms will vary depending on the phase you are in:
- First or prodromal phase: lasts about three days. The infected animal can become nervous, anxious, skittish. If it is a nervous or even reactive animal, it can become affectionate. Also, it is common for you to have a fever.
- Second phase or furious stage: lasts between a day and a week. It does not always manifest itself, but it is perhaps the most dangerous. Infected animals become irritable, hyperactive, and very aggressive.
- Third phase or paralytic stage: the muscles of the head and neck are paralyzed, preventing the animal from swallowing saliva and, later, breathing, which causes its death.
Do you have treatment?
No. Rabies to this day still has neither a treatment nor a cure. But, fortunately, it can be prevented very easily by vaccination. The first dose that a dog should receive is around six months of age, and it has to be boosted once a year throughout its life to prevent infection.
The price of the vaccine is about 30 euros.
Rabies is very dangerous. Help your dog prevent it.